Stay at Andon Ryokan Tokyo: A Stylish, Affordable Base for Sightseeing

I had such a wonderful stay last night that I couldn’t wait to share it.

The place is called Andon Ryokan, located just a 5-minute walk from Minowa Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line.

What made it so great?

I only stayed one night this time, but I’d love to return and make it my sightseeing hub for several days. Definitely a place you’ll want to come back to.

It’s ideal for solo travelers or pairs exploring Tokyo—and I highly recommend it to international visitors too!

Andon Ryokan: Just 5 Minutes from Minowa Station and Full of Hospitality

This is the entrance to Andon Ryokan. I stayed there on November 20th, and the Christmas decorations were already beautifully set up.

Next to the reception is a traditional Japanese-style tatami room where you can relax or have breakfast.

There’s also a table seating area and a kitchen with a coffee machine. Drinks like coffee are free for guests.

They have Japanese and English magazines and newspapers.

At check-in, I was served coffee and traditional sweets. I’ve never experienced that kind of hospitality outside of high-end hot spring inns!

I noticed the cup was custom-made for Andon Ryokan. Very cool.

The staff also shared an original map with recommendations for sightseeing and great local eats.

With one of their rental bikes, you can even explore Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree easily. It’s a perfect base for sightseeing.

Judging by the schedule board, it seems they regularly host events in English—probably due to their popularity with long-term international guests.

They even post a weekly schedule! These cultural events are a nice touch. I’d definitely recommend this place to friends visiting Japan.

Traditional Touches and Japanese Aesthetics Throughout

The interior is decorated with Japanese antiques you don’t often see, even in Japan.

There’s even a retro spinning sign that says “Andon,” reminiscent of old barber shops.

A mysterious hanging scroll.

The stair landings are full of interesting items too.

This is the single room I stayed in. Not spacious, but more than adequate for sleeping. The tatami was a nice touch.

Here’s the room from another angle. As you’d expect from a designer inn, it’s neatly put together.

Nice little touches like this are always appreciated. They even included an origami crane.

They also provide an English version of the facility guide.

Each room comes with a pair of traditional sandals (setta), which you can wear around the inn instead of shoes.
*Note: the setta come as a pair, even for solo travelers.

Even the sinks on each floor are stylish. Is that a rabbit logo?

Relax in a Private Rooftop Jacuzzi!

Guest rooms are located on the 1st to 3rd floors, and the 4th floor houses a private jacuzzi.

Just write your room number at the front desk to reserve a time, and you’ll have the jacuzzi all to yourself—or with a companion.

Even the entrance area features charming antiques. Seems like the owner is a fan of rabbits?

The changing area has great atmosphere too!

Even the bath etiquette sign is comic-style! Japanese bath culture can be a bit unique.

There are maneki-neko (beckoning cat) decorations too.

And here’s the private jacuzzi! Complete with original artwork on the wall.

It’s spacious enough for two, and extremely relaxing.

While the location doesn’t offer much of a view, the interior decor is thoughtfully designed to keep things interesting.

I checked in at 4 PM and no one else had booked the jacuzzi, so I got to enjoy it right away—first soak of the evening, perfect.

It was rainy, so I couldn’t check it out, but there’s a rooftop terrace too. On sunny days, it’d be a great spot to relax or chat with fellow guests.

Final Thoughts

When I stayed, it was ¥7,100 per night. Usually it ranges from about ¥6,000 to ¥8,000.

There are cheaper places in nearby Minami-Senju (as low as ¥2,000), but they tend to be very basic “just a place to sleep” types—with minimal amenities or service. Understandable for the price.

Andon Ryokan costs about as much as a low-end business hotel, but offers so much more in terms of comfort, design, and hospitality. I’d personally choose this over a standard hotel in the same price range.

It’s a perfect base for sightseeing in Tokyo—for both Japanese and international travelers. Highly recommended!